Listening as a Leadership Skill

When I look back on my career, I realise that some of the most pivotal moments didn’t come from advice or direction, but from someone simply making space for me to think, reflect, and be heard. Listening isn’t passive—it’s an active, intentional practice that shapes careers, strengthens relationships, and builds trust.

In this series of posts, I call out people who I have been directly influenced by in my career.

Listening as Support: Adrienne Tan’s Influence

When I was setting up Humana Design, there was no clear roadmap. It was a leap into the unknown, filled with the usual doubts—was this the right move? Would it work? In those early days, Adrienne Tan became an invaluable sounding board.

What made Adrienne’s support so impactful wasn’t just her encouragement—it was the way she listened. She didn’t rush to give solutions or platitudes. She listened deeply, asked thoughtful questions, and helped me see my own path more clearly. Through her, I learned that great leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about knowing how to create space for others to find their own.

The Art of Constructive Listening: Marc Stickdorn’s Influence

Marc Stickdorn is someone who listens with precision. Whether in conversation, workshops, or strategy sessions, he has an ability to tune into what’s being said—and, more importantly, what isn’t. Marc’s approach to listening isn’t just about hearing people out; it’s about surfacing the right questions, challenging assumptions, and helping others refine their thinking.

I’ve experienced this firsthand many times. Marc has a way of offering feedback that is both direct and constructive—he doesn’t simply affirm ideas but tests them, questions their timing, and ensures they stand up to scrutiny. This kind of listening is a form of leadership in itself. It’s the difference between simply nodding along and truly engaging with someone’s ideas to help make them stronger.

Listening to Lead

Both Adrienne and Marc have demonstrated that listening isn’t just about being present—it’s about being intentional. Whether it’s quiet support or constructive challenge, great listeners make us better by creating the conditions for us to think more clearly and act more decisively.

In human-centred design, we often talk about empathy for users. But as leaders, we also need to practise that same level of attentiveness with our teams, colleagues, and peers. The best leaders I know aren’t the loudest voices in the room—they’re the ones who listen with care, challenge with intention, and make space for others to thrive.

A Practice, Not a Perfection

I’ll be the first to admit that listening well is a lifelong practice. In fast-moving projects or high-pressure environments, it’s easy to default to solutions rather than slowing down to listen. But when I reflect on the moments that have truly shaped my career, they’ve almost always involved someone who took the time to hear me—not just my words, but my intent, my uncertainty, and my potential.

Listening isn’t just a tool—it’s a skill, a mindset, and, most of all, a gift. And when done well, it has the power to shape not just projects, but people.

The Call to Listen

Who are you listening to today? Are you giving them space to be heard? Are you helping them sharpen their thinking or see things from a new perspective? Because in a world that moves fast, taking the time to listen with intention is one of the most valuable things we can do for each other.

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